April 17, 2023 4 min read
Resistance bands are one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment for strengthening the lower body, and with good reason. They’re affordable, accessible, lightweight, and easy to use. Resistance bands can be used to target different muscle groups in the lower body, such as the glutes, hamstrings, and quads. These exercises can help you improve your overall strength, power, and balance. In this article, we’ll discuss the best resistance band exercises for lower body strength.
Shop The Collection: Resistance BandsUsing resistance bands is beneficial for many reasons. First and foremost, they’re incredibly versatile and can be used to target multiple muscle groups. Resistance bands provide a great way to add resistance to your workouts without the need for bulky weights or machines. They also allow you to perform exercises that traditional weights don’t allow, like single-leg movements. This makes them particularly useful for targeting specific muscles in the lower body.
Shop The Gear: MAGMA Resistance Bands, from $6.99 CADAnother benefit of using resistance bands is that they’re very affordable and easily accessible. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive gym equipment, as resistance bands are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online or at any sporting goods store. Additionally, because they’re lightweight and portable, you can take them with you wherever you go—you can even do your workouts at home if you don’t have access to a gym.
Finally, resistance bands offer a great way to challenge yourself without putting too much strain on your joints. Many traditional weightlifting exercises put a lot of strain on the joints, which can lead to injury. With resistance bands, you can get a challenging workout while also minimizing joint strain.
There are many exercises you can do with resistance bands to target the lower body. Here are some of the best exercises for strengthening your lower body:
Glute bridges are a great exercise for targeting your glutes and hamstrings. To perform this exercise, lie on your back with your arms by your sides and your knees bent. Place a resistance band around your thighs, just above your knees. Push your hips up until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Squeeze your glutes and hold for a few seconds before slowly lowering back down. Repeat for 10–15 reps.
Squats are one of the best exercises for building lower body strength and power. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and loop a resistance band around your thighs, just above your knees. Keeping your chest up and core engaged, lower your body into a squat position, making sure to keep your knees behind your toes. Push through your heels to return to the starting position. Repeat for 10–15 reps.
Lunges are another great exercise for targeting the muscles in the lower body. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet hip-width apart and loop a resistance band around your thighs, just above your knees. Step forward into a lunge position, making sure to keep your front knee behind your toes. Push off with your back foot to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Repeat for 10–15 reps on each leg.
Sumo squats are an effective exercise for targeting the inner and outer thighs. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and loop a resistance band around your thighs, just above your knees. Keeping your chest up and core engaged, sit back into a sumo squat position, making sure to keep your knees behind your toes. Push through your heels to return to the starting position. Repeat for 10–15 reps.
Donkey kicks are a great exercise for targeting your glutes and hamstrings. To perform this exercise, get on all fours with a resistance band looped around your ankles. Keep your core engaged and lift one leg up towards the ceiling, keeping your knee bent at 90 degrees. Squeeze your glute at the top of the movement and then lower your leg back down. Repeat for 10–15 reps on each leg.
Step-ups are an effective exercise for strengthening the muscles in the lower body. To perform this exercise, stand in front of a step or bench with a resistance band looped around your thighs, just above your knees. Place one foot on the step and push your body up, bringing the opposite knee up towards your chest. Lower your body back down and repeat on the other side. Repeat for 10–15 reps on each leg.
Clamshells are a great exercise for targeting the glutes and outer thighs. To perform this exercise, lie on your side with a resistance band looped around your thighs, just above your knees. Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle and open your legs, squeezing your glutes as you do so. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly close your legs back together. Repeat for 10–15 reps on each side.
Fire hydrants are an effective exercise for targeting the glutes. To perform this exercise, get on all fours with a resistance band looped around your ankles. Lift one leg out to the side, keeping your knee bent at 90 degrees. Squeeze your glute at the top of the movement and then lower your leg back down. Repeat for 10–15 reps on each leg.
Resistance bands are a great tool for strengthening the lower body. They’re portable, affordable, and can be used to target multiple muscle groups. The exercises listed above are a great way to get started with using resistance bands for lower body strength. Incorporate these exercises into your regular workout routine and you’ll be well on your way to stronger, healthier legs.